Congress leader Randeep Surjewala has responded to allegations made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding his purported derogatory remarks towards actor-turned-politician Hema Malini. Surjewala, in a statement issued on Thursday, clarified that the video shared by the BJP’s IT department head Amit Malviya was edited and distorted, emphasizing that he had no intention to insult or hurt the sentiments of the renowned actress.
Allegations by the BJP
The controversy stemmed from a video posted by Malviya on social media, where Surjewala was accused of making objectionable remarks about Hema Malini. In the video, Surjewala allegedly commented, “It’s not like Hema Malini, who was elected to lick.” The BJP condemned Surjewala’s statement, branding it as sexist and derogatory towards both Hema Malini and women in general.
Surjewala’s Clarification
Disputing the allegations, Surjewala asserted that the video circulated by the BJP was manipulated to tarnish his image and divert attention from the failures of the Modi government. He emphasized that his actual statement was a gesture of respect towards Hema Malini, highlighting her association with veteran actor Dharmendra as his daughter-in-law.
Response from Hema Malini
Reacting to the controversy, Hema Malini expressed disappointment over Surjewala’s alleged remarks and urged opposition leaders to learn respect for women from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She criticized the opposition’s tendency to target popular figures and underscored the need for dignified discourse in politics.
Surjewala’s Critique of BJP
Surjewala lambasted the BJP for its handling of the matter, accusing the party of perpetuating a culture of misinformation and distortion. He pointed out instances of alleged derogatory remarks made by BJP leaders towards women and highlighted the need for accountability in public discourse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Randeep Surjewala’s purported remarks underscores the ongoing tensions between political parties in India. While Surjewala vehemently denies any intent to insult Hema Malini, the incident highlights the importance of responsible communication and respectful dialogue in political discourse.